Assistant Director, Operations & Systems, MBA Admissions in Boston, Massachusetts at Harvard University

003224SR
School/Unit Harvard Business School
Department MBA & Doctoral Programs
Job Function Faculty & Student Services
Location Boston
Job Type Full-time
Salary Grade 057
FLSA Status Exempt
Union 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Term Appointment No

By working at Harvard University, you join a vibrant community that advances Harvard's world-changing mission in meaningful ways, inspires innovation and collaboration, and builds skills and expertise. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and welcoming environment where everyone can thrive.

Why join Harvard Business School?

Harvard Business School, located on a 40-acre campus in Boston, was founded in 1908 as part of Harvard University. It is among the world's most trusted sources of management education and thought leadership. For more than a century, the School's faculty has combined a passion for teaching with rigorous research conducted alongside practitioners at world-leading organizations to educate leaders who make a difference in the world. Through a dynamic ecosystem of research, learning, and entrepreneurship that includes MBA, Doctoral, Executive Education, and Online programs, as well as numerous initiatives, centers, institutes, and labs, Harvard Business School fosters bold new ideas and collaborative learning networks that shape the future of business.

Job Summary:

As a key member of the MBA Admissions Operations team, reporting to the Director, Operations, the Assistant Director manages the systems, data, and operational infrastructure that supports MBA Admissions. This role is responsible for managing admissions technologies, application operations, data governance, business intelligence initiatives, and financial operations that enable effective recruitment, evaluation, and enrollment activities.

The Assistant Director manages an Operations Specialist and provides leadership for the department's analytics, reporting, and AI initiatives. Working closely with Admissions leadership, MBA IT, and external partners, this role ensures the effective use of data and technology to support operational excellence, informed decision-making, and an exceptional candidate experience.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

Strategic Operations & Systems

• Partners with Operations leadership team to oversee the technical and data infrastructure supporting MBA Admissions operations.
• Lead all phases of the MBA and 2+2 application creation lifecycle, including application design, testing, updates, deployment, and annual launch activities.
• Serve as the AI lead for MBA Admissions, identifying opportunities to leverage emerging technologies and guiding implementation of AI tools and processes.
• Oversee the application fee waiver process and related requests.
• Serve as the primary liaison to external testing and admissions organizations, including GMAC and ETS, leading data exchange and business intelligence initiatives.
• Partner with Operations team members in the development and maintenance of self-service reporting and data tools for Outreach, Evaluation, and Yield teams.
• Manage data integrations and pipelines across systems, including admissions and student information systems.
• Oversee data security, confidentiality, annual retention processes, and compliance with University policies.
• Design and implement business processes that promote data accuracy, consistency, and effective use across systems.
• Manage relationships among multiple database platforms and vendors, ensuring accurate and timely data transfers.
• Oversee analysis of key admissions surveys and feedback mechanisms, including Accept/Cancel Surveys, Yield Polls, and other candidate experience assessments.
• Manage operational aspects of alumni engagement initiatives, including Alumni Chats and Phonathon programs.
• Partner with MBA IT, Financial Aid, Institutional Research, and other HBS departments to support operational and analytical initiatives.

Budget & Financial Management

• Manage the MBA Admissions operating budget of approximately $2 million, including forecasting, reconciliation, vendor management, and financial reporting.
• Partner with finance colleagues and Admissions leadership to align spending with departmental priorities.
• Serve as a resource to Admissions staff on Harvard financial systems, including Buy2Pay, Concur, and budget reconciliation processes.
• Monitor expenditures and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and resource allocation.

Leadership & Team Support

• Supervise and develop the Operations Specialist, providing direction, coaching, and prioritization across analytics, reporting, AI, and operational support functions.
• Establish team priorities and workflows to ensure timely completion of operational projects, reporting deliverables, and annual application cycle activities.
• Support team-wide events and activities, including Admitted Students Welcome, Interview Days, yield programming, conferences, outreach travel, and team-building initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, service-oriented culture and contribute to the continuous improvement of Admissions operations.
• Build trust and collaboration by being present on-site and engaging directly with colleagues and various constituents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Professional Development Opportunity: Admissions Evaluation

For individuals with demonstrated interest and aptitude, there may be opportunities to participate in the admissions evaluation process. Following training and onboarding, the Assistant Director may:

• Serve as a member of the Admissions Board, evaluating candidates for the MBA, 2+2, and SVMP programs through holistic application review.
• Participate in candidate interviewing activities, including observing and conducting applicant interviews as a member of the MBA Interview Board.
• Contribute insights and perspectives to admissions discussions and decision-making processes.
• Participation in admissions evaluation activities is dependent on departmental needs, demonstrated performance, and successful completion of training requirements.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience required
• Minimum of 5 years’ relevant work experience

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Five or more years of relevant professional experience in higher education, operations, systems administration, analytics, admissions, or a related field.
• Experience managing complex data systems, operational processes, and cross-functional projects.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel and data analysis tools.
• Experience working in higher education is strongly preferred
• Experience with admissions or CRM platforms, preferably Technolutions Slate.
• Experience with business intelligence and data visualization tools such as Tableau.
• Familiarity with SQL and data management best practices.
• Interest in and aptitude for emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools and workflows.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively with stakeholders across teams.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement.

• Standard Hours/Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Visa Sponsorship Information: Harvard University is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position
• Pre-Employment Screening: Identity
• Other Information:
  • This is a hybrid position which we consider to be a combination of remote and onsite work at our Boston, MA based campus. HBS expects all staff to be onsite a minimum of 3 days per week and departments provide onsite coverage Monday – Friday. Specific hours and days onsite will be determined by business needs and are subject to change with appropriate advanced notice.
  • We may conduct candidate interviews virtually (phone and/or via Zoom) and/or in-person for this role.
  • A cover letter is required to be considered for this opportunity.

#LI-MM1

Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 057. Please visit Harvard's Salary Ranges to view the corresponding salary range and related information.

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to:

• Generous paid time off including parental leave
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one
• Retirement plans with university contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health resources
• Support for families and caregivers
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page.

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.